It’s important to note that two American athletes were known as “Legends” WHILE they were still playing their respective sports professionally: Arnold Palmer and Larry Bird.

The video didn't show it, but Magic had another great comment. He said "Larry, you only lied to me once. You said they'll be another Larry Bird one day. They will never be another Larry Bird." I'm a Lakers fan and Bird was my favorite non-Laker of all-time.

The best thing about the three point contest wasn't that he raised his hand before it went in.. it's the fact that he never even took off his warmup jacket for the entire contest.

Ultimate Mix Tape is a great "Visual" introduction to Larry Bird. I noticed you guys pulling up some stats during the vid. You should react to Clayton Crowley "Making the Case - Larry Bird". It will give you a lot more context into the state that basketball was in when Bird arrived, it will also give you context into his stats and fill you in on the rivalry between Bird and Magic.

He was so loved they sold out the stadium for his retirement. There wasn't even a game that night.

He was beloved by the fans. So much so that his retirement ceremony was held on a night when no game was scheduled and was sold out.

Bird was the best small forward ever. I watched him all through his career and loved every minute of it. He was so popular in Boston that fans would even go watch him mow his lawn.

You’re talking about Bird not winning awards I think? Bird was last player to win three MVP awards back to back to back. He was also final’s MVP twice and was rookie of the year over Magic Johnson. He is the only player in history to win player of the year, coach of the year and executive of the year. He won the first three, 3 point contest. The list goes on and on

Larry Bird was one of those players that not only inspired, but made your chest swell with pride. Just knowing somebody with his skill & passion existed and he was so successful while still being humble. The name Larry Legend is well earned and even more so deserved. He saved the NBA just by being a master of the game.

No one was as clutch as Bird.

I remember watching that playoff series against Indiana when Bird got hurt. Indiana ran the score up while Bird was being administered to and when he came back in the game the place went crazy. It was one of the greatest basketball performances I've ever seen in my life.

Larry Legend, one of the all-time greats.

6'9" (some believe 6'10"). Extremely confident. Very unselfish player. Ultimate teammate. The clutch player. Private person. A good mixtape. Just scratches the surface on Bird tho. There are some great games to watch too. Bird played against some of the best ever in the best era.

Larry's retirement was the very 1st time, this scenario had ever been done. they sold tickets to his retirement, on a night when no game, it wasn't a pre game, half time fit in Larry's retirement sold out the old Boston Garden arena on a night when there wasn't a game, it was just his retirement The game where he fractured his cheek, was what gave him the name "Larry Legend"

It is also kind of important to note, there was no game scheduled for this night. The crowd is there to say good bye.

In many ways I see larry bird as the prototype of the perfect player. He didn't have to be a one man showboat. He didn't have to set record numbers alone. He used every kind of skill imaginable to play the game perfectly. He wasn't greedy with usage of the ball. He actively worked to aid his team mates. He showed precision in everything he did and as a result he elevated his team to such a degree that they became the perfect team that worked as one unit. That level of skill should be noted for many other players both in basketball and other sports. When you can play the game perfectly as a team you can achieve amazing things. It doesnt hurt also that he knew how to play the game psychologically too. Telling the other teams what you are gonna do then succeed despite the opposition only makes the victory even sweeter and thus harder for the other team to disprove it as a fluke especially when it happens again and again and again and again. That is what makes him a true legend. The guy was truly something special and even after he is long gone he should be studied as the example of what it means to be the perfect player.

Bird and Johnson were rivals during College and onward. When so many turned their backs on Magic because of his HIV diagnosis (and no one understood what HIV was and wasn't so they shunned people who were positive) Larry reached out the Magic. They were epic rivals and friends to this day.

From 85 - he retired, Larry played with a broken back that would lose its structural stability. It would lock up in abnormal positions. He would have to get adjustments just to be able to play. Sometimes going straight to the hospital after a game. To spend the night in traction. That's just one of the injuries that he played with. He didn't even use any pain meds, shots, etc. for any of his injuries. Yet he was still able to dominate and put up stats. Like he did in this video. When he came back from hitting the floor. He actually got a concussion and fractured his right cheek. He was the FOUNDING member of the 50/40/90 twice. He led the league in 3 pointers twice 85,86. FIRST 3pt contest winner in 86 then 87, 88. MVP 84 , 85, 86.. 2 Finals MVPs, 12 All star, 10 all NBA Teams, 3x All Defense selection. All in 13 years. It took Bird just two seasons to get his first ring. Larry turned the Celtics around his first season. From a 29 - 53 season to 61 - 21 season. Larry's one of 8 hall of famers to win rookie of the year & be named to the all NBA first team. The only one so far to have those honors after Larry is Tim Duncan. Larry Bird is the only player to win Rookie of the Year, League MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, coach of the year & executive of the year. Larry is the only player Jordan couldn't beat. 6 -0 playoffs; 17 - 11 reg. Here's some of his highlights. 5x Larry Bird Was Injured But Refused To Quit kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h7h4jbegu6epdnU.html Larry Bird Greatest Passer re-edit kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rd2fZ9mlxsDRo40.html Larry Bird Most Savage Moments kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mah0Y8emlpPMYaM.html Larry Bird Fights Heated Moments kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jr-ZdcSkq8yZppc.html Larry Bird's Greatest Moments kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i-Bdd9xpnr2YeIE.html Larry Bird 50 Amazing Assists kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mMdyl9FynMnZmWQ.html 4 Crazy Stories That Prove Larry Bird Is The Toughest Player In NBA History kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gpqmpqVjrdnPpmg.html

Larry Legend was as tenacious as Roy Keane. But, at 6 foot 10 he was a nightmare to guard. Plus he was always basketball smarter than anyone in the arena. His career was cut short, because even though he had millions in the bank, he still cut his own fire wood. He used to tell some of the greats of the game, where he was going to get the pass, and where he was going to shoot it. And then he did it. Think of my last statement, as if you are thinking about a penalty kick. Now imagine the shooter, tells the opposing goalie, exactly where he was going to put the ball... and then he did it.

Larry Bird was the BOMB when I was growing up! He was insanely good as a BB player. He would "break the ankles" of players as you saw. Had the moves and skills. Other players feared him as well. Great great reaction! Cheers Guys!

You guys are just scratching the surface with Larry Bird. The others guys have the athleticism and the razzle dazzle but Bird was the complete player. Team before self. He was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. His basketball IQ was off the charts. He understood the game better than anyone.

He was definitely the smartest player on the court. He knew where everybody was at all times on the court. He would tell players I’m gonna shoot it here, after the time out he would go to that spot shoot it make it game over.

You have got to watch one of the compilation videos of Larry’s trash talking. He was the undisputed champion of smack talk… And he could backup every word

I see you guys were enjoying his passing, I highly recommend Larry Bird - Greatest Passer Of All Time (Re-edit with new footage), great stuff,15 minutes of silky smooth passing.

You nailed it. Larry Bird is the greatest all-around basketball player of all time. His individual skills and court IQ were genius, he was a completely unselfish team player and his motor ran at 110% start to finish.

The night of his retirement ceremony, in front of a full audience in Boston Garden, there was NO game. The people packed the arena just to see him say goodbye and show their appreciation. He was truly a legend.

Bird is something special. The more you know about him the greater he becomes. Larry Bird GREATEST Passer Of All Time | Re-Edit, Larry Bird Making the Case are both excellent.

You need to watch the tape where they talk about all Larry's injuries and still plays so great!

Bird's skill set was fantastic, but it was his basketball IQ on and off the court that made him such an incredible player. He played the game like chess while everyone else was playing the game like checkers. He was always 2 or 3 moves, or plays as it was, ahead of the oposition. And no one ever made as many clutch plays to win games for the Celtics as Larry Bird, be it the winning shot, a winning pass, a steal, whatever, and he often called many of his game winners.

One of the reasons the Celts were so good is that Larry made his teammates better. He liked it when the ball moved. He wasn’t the most athletic but his motivation and basketball smarts were beyond compare.

Thanks for this one guys. Retired in 93 and he's still popular to watch today. I'm his age and also from Indiana. I grew up with Larry Bird. There's so much more to him than this but I won't give anything away in case you watch more of him. Bird makes basketball fun.

Always at the right place at the right time I love his no look passes

You guys commented on Larrys quick thinking….that’s his basketball IQ. It was off the charts. He was 3 steps ahead of everyone else. Tommy Heinsohn, a former Celtic turned game commentator said Larry was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. Larry was also the complete package. He could shoot, score, pass, block, rebound & steal. All at an elite level. I consider him BETTER than Jordan. He was by FAR the better teammate, and he was the ONLY player Jordan NEVER got past. In their head to head matchups, Larry won 70% of the games. Jordan never got a ring until Larry’s final year when his back was mush. There’s so much more to Larry & it’s important to keep his legacy alive. Ignorant Young kids today want to badmouth him, but ALL the greats of Larry’s time KNEW the truth: LARRY was LEGEND.

Great reaction! Loved it. I will add my voice to the dozens of people who will say this video doesn't scratch the surface of Bird. "Making the Case" is a great series to watch. I went ahead and subscribed in hopes of more NBA reactions like this!

To state how important Larry Bird was to basketball, he stoked my interest in the Missouri Valley Conference, which Indiana State University is a member. In fact, the MVP award in the conference is the Larry Bird Trophy. Also, he and Magic Johnson ignited the term March Madness to describe the NCAA Tournament from 1979. He also revitalized the fortunes of the Boston Celtics, who had fallen on hard times. The franchise won three NBA titles in the 1980's with his playing talent leading the way. The 1985-86 season was very special as the Celtics won 50 of 51 games at the legendary Boston Garden, and no losses at home after December 13th, 1985.

Larry didnt have the speed and athleticism of magic or jordan, but he made up for it in so many other ways, he was a world class shooter as well as an amazing passer and one of the best last minute clutch players ever seen, Youve only scratched the surface, there so much more to see of Larry - amazing shots, amazing passing, always getting the rest of his team involved, uncanny court awareness of where everyone was, and one of the best basketball I.Q.'s ever seen in NBA history

Bird was the greatest ever. Jordan was a second but he had great dunks and decent shooter. Bird did everything and did it great

You should check a tape on Larry's Passing, You'll be amazed. Larry had such a High IQ in this game. They were all taught by His Tapes, Their Coach's would Use them For Years to come. Larry also Won, MVP 3 Years in a Row.

I suggest (IMHO) the critical factor to Larry Bird being the greatest small forward in the history of basketball is this: he had an unshakable confidence in himself. LB was tall, yes. But he didn’t run fast, he didn’t jump high, his lateral movement was a little shaky yet he always (!) thought he could beat you. If there’s time on the clock it didn’t matter WHO you were be it Dr. J, Magic, Jordan… anyone: he thought he would beat you. And he’d TELL you he was going to beat you. Then he WOULD beat you… telling you all along the way… while he’s in his shooting motion. The man was an assassin. He was a baaaaad man. He came from a part of America where they don’t expect a lot out of you. Poor, small town, rural… Larry wasn’t expected to do much but he worked harder than everyone else and was the SMARTEST player in the NBA. That’s what puts him in the GOAT conversation.

Bird's retirement was during a night off, there was no game - Boston Garden was stuffed to the rafters and even the court was covered. He was a Celtics fixture, and people loved him, and wanted to say goodbye. Bird didn't do badly as a coach and team executive, either. But I do miss the Celtics v Lakers duels.

Watching sports with people performing at the top of their game is just inspiring. Like you, I was not aware of Larry Bird, I'm certainly aware of him now, Brilliant.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird: A Courtship of Rivals Basketball. A great documentary of these 2 guys.

This man did 4hrs in traction for years pregame, just to be able to play games. (Still 24pts,9rebs,7asts, 2stls, 1blk) last 5 years. This man had the orbital invert break in his face. The side of this man's face was caved in!!! Came back, that game, with NO painkillers & NO mask! He then proceeded to dominate that game. Needed a screw drilled in his face after the game to pop it back out. NO painkillers! That Pacers game in the video... Concussion and broken cheekbone. NO painkillers. He asked for a 2nd beer. The trainer turned his back to him for a split second and Bird ran out of the locker room! Destroyed his hand between college and pro debut playing softball and said, "he never had the same feel for the ball ever again!" This is before he ever played a pro game!!!! Mental! Legend...

The only basketball player that got an MVP, coach an NBA team and won coach of the year, and got executive of the year. He got three consecutive MVP's and also won three consecutive three-point shooting contests. The only time he did not make the All-Star team was this season he was injured and had double Achilles surgery.

The 80's were THE DECADE for sports & music. Bird, Magic, Montana ... I didn't realize how great it was till it was over. Sports just ain't like that anymore. Basketball sure ain't. Bird is the GOAT.

FYI - Larry was 6'9" and was a league renowned trash talker who would get into players heads and get them off their game many times by (repeatedly) calling his shots beforehand then backing it up by making the shots 99.99% of the time. He would unnerve players so much doing this kind of thing they would sometimes get mad and there would be fights on the court and Larry was up for that too if need be. Keep watching his videos guys and youll just be more amazed with each one.

You know Bird had awesome court awareness when 2 guys who don't even know the game mention it. lol

The thing you don’t see in this tape is Bird was the ultimate clutch player. Pat Reilly said “If I had to choose a player to take a shot to win the game I’d choose Micheal Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life I’d choose Larry Bird”

You two guys got an education in how a man should play the game. He wasn’t selfish, yet still was always in the top 10 in scoring. He rebounded well on offense and defense. You can see how well he passed and played defense. The one problem was that he had to retire at 35 from chronic back problems. He injured it pouring a driveway for his mother in 1985 because despite having more than enough money he was too cheap to hire someone.

I've never been a basketball fan BUT I have always cheered the greats, Jordan, Abdul-Jabar, Johnson, O'Neil, and The Hick from the Sticks- BIRD! What a wonderful player, Bird is a national treasure! Great video Gentlemen.

Not as athletic as other greats, but much more stamina. The most talented all around player the nba has seen. My opinion, he's top 3 all time with Jordan and Magic. I can't put them in order. I just know they are the guys I'd want to have to start a team.

LARRY LEGEND IS A UNICORN & MY TRUE GOAT 🐐

Bird & Magic's rivalry literally saved the NBA. Before they arrived, NBA Final's were on tape delay. The behind-the-back pass by Bird was a tribute to Magic after finding out he was HIV positive. He would call his shots, even with the game on the line; & quite frequently make it. Can't speak of Bird or Magic without mentioning the other. Their legacy's are intertwined. A Courtship of Rivals is a great documentary to watch if you want to understand their friendship, rivalry & the effect on shaping NBA history.

That was fun to watch with y’all! More please! 🌎✌️

Larry Legend has a reputation as a clutch shooter and a 90 percent free throw shooter. Therefore, if he suggests a shot you HAVE to respect it and jump but you cannot foul because a foul shot is almost guaranteed points. This frustration messed with opposition players minds. The best basketball was done by him and the Celtics. Watch his full court passes, he did passes that pro quarterbacks would envy. Every one to a running player dropping into his hands.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved the nba.you should really watch some of his trash talking compilations. Also the farther shots were usually clutch moment shots in order to win the came and he always tried to get his team involved. If he noticed he made a concentrated effort to get the team involved. Larry had a very hard childhood because of his father serving in Korea where he saw killed and could not overcome the horrors he saw and when Harry I want to say was 19 his dad thought his children would be better without him and shot him self to give his family a better life. Harry and his dad were extremely close and Larry was devastated a and gave up for a short time. But to give her a mother a better life he pushed forward, To me he was inspirational even though he battled he’s demons and pushed forward to give hos family a better life.

Thank you for this reaction video. 👍 It was fun 🙂 hearing/seeing you discover Bird. ☘️ Larry Legend is a pleasure to watch anytime.

He was definitely the smartest player on the court, he knew where every player was on the court at all times. He would tell players I’m gonna shoot it from here, after the time out shoot it make it game over.

Things to note - During the 3 point competition Larry played in his warm-up. There was no game scheduled on the night of his retirement ceremony. Despite that, the Garden was filled! It wasn't shown in the video, but Magic wore a Celtics jersey under his warm-up. He briefly flashed it to Bird. Magic and Bird were close friends off the court. They played golf together. Bird is noted for standing by Magic when Magic was diagnosed HIV positive. I'd like to suggest checking out the videos on Bird's trash talking

They say that the rivalry between Johnson and Bird saved the NBA.

Great reaction, Bird really was one of a kind. If you want to really see his talents, react to Larry Bird, Making the Case. Tremendously choreographed mixtape. Makes you appreciate that there's more to basketball than slam dunks. Thanks guys, I really enjoy watching your reactions.

Larry Bird had many awards but is the only person in NBA history to win the NBA MVP(1984, 85, & 86), the Coach of the Year (1998) and the Executive of the Year (2012).

The 1992 Dream Team had 11 future Hall of Famers. I had the opportunity to see all of the games. Awesome. The documentary is a must see. That was the last time Larry and Magic played. They came in 1979 together.

Larry Bird played the last 4 years of his career with a back that was so bad that he required a lot of work from the doctors on game day to get him to be able to walk before a game! Without that back injury, he would have continued his dominance (3 MVP's in a row before that).

When Reggie Miller, perhaps the most erudite, intelligent and creative trash talker of all time says that Larry Bird was a great trash talker, you can take that to the bank. Lots of rookies came into the NBA and talked trash to Bird once. They quickly learned not to do that.

You're early comments that he was a well-rounded player is why many say he's the best to ever play. The great coach of the 1980's Lakers, Pat Riley, said if he had to pick one player to make a shot to win a game, he'd choose Jordon. If he had to pick one player to make a shot to save his life, he'd choose Bird. Do check out the ''Making the Case'' video.

Bird was hard to beat. Best all around player I ever saw play.

In a nutshell Larry Bird was playing chess and everyone else were playing checkers

Something few realize, Jordan's and Bird's careers overlapped 8 yrs and not only did Larry dominate Jordan in head to heads, but Jordan's Chicago Bulls didn't start winning crap, unti the Bird era Boston Celtics were gone..

Larry was 24.1, 10, 6.6 ...he was nearly a career 50/40/90...and he's listed at 6'9"...but so is Magic ..and Larry is clearly taller. Other NBA players say Larry is really 6'10" ...and notice how BIG Larry is when standing next to him. But, you've only touched the tip of the ice burg with Larry. Broke a vertebrae in his back in 85...by the time you see the game where he breaks his cheek...had a concussion, double vision...etc... He could barely put on his uniform...couldn't sit...and needed hours of rehab prior to the game. Oh..he WASN'T cleared to come back in the game. He asked the Dr. for a beer when it got close....and checked himself back in. And won the game. Good day, mates! 😄

there is a great interview with magic. He talks about when he got AIDS, how everyone he thought he was a friend sort of vanished on him, meanwhile Bird was constantly reaching out to him. Lifetime frenemies.

Larry Bird is the only person in league history to have won league MVP, coach of the year, and executive of the year…

‘Some moves’ is really an understatement. Thanks for watching this!

You had not lived until being in the old Boston Garden and hearing the roar of the first basket!!!!!!!

i live in french lick… small town. if his childhood home is ever up for sale i’m buying it for a museum the fact that he came back to indiana and worked for the pacers for so many years, there will always be love for larry 💙

There were a handful of great basketball players, but if you put any of them up against bird he would embarrass them. 👍☝️🙏

He's the most clutch shooter in the history of the game he's the first member of the 50-90-40 club that's only happened five times in NBA history and he did it three of those times that is his shooting percentage for the season two pointer free throw and three pointers

Credit needs to go to the players surrounding him too. Can you imagine how quick thinking Kevin McHale had to be to respond to those lightning passes from Bird?

Only 3 guys have ever won the League MVP 3 years in a rown, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Lary Bird. The dream team won by an average margin of 47 points.

This video only touches a small bit on Larry Bird. Other really great videos out there are: - Larry Bird the Greatest Passer re-edited (I think it’s been relabeled as Best 50 passes Larry Bird or something) - 50 best Assist Larry Bird - 4 Crazy Stories that Prove Larry Bird Is the Toughest NBA Player in History - Larry Bird Trash Talking - Making the Case Larry Bird G.O.A.T

Great reaction fellas to the GREATEST all-around player to ever pick up a basketball!! Keep up the reaction videos. Much love and respect 🤙

Second viewing with you guys. Having an ale, seems proper. Always enjoy the reactions, regardless of subject. Legend. Yes. As probably noted ad infinitum below, Larry Legend was one of his many superlative monikers. Grew up 2 hours from Boston, graduating a few months after the 86 championship. Good times in New England.

Nice to see that you guys appreciate the skills of great athletes.

Greatest passer greatest 3 point shooter greatest shiptalker And more

Larry bird had back trouble 2 ankle surgeries he couldn't sit he had to lie down he played w pain his whole career he was terrific. U two men r nice. He always knew where his teammates were. Magic and bird r friends

On the night of his retirement, there was NO Game. The place was sold out! That shows how the fans felt about him. You should check out some of the other videos on Larry... lot of fun!

Thank you for reacting to Larry Bird's Ultimate Mixed Tape. IMO, Larry Legend is the Best All-Around NBA Player to ever play the game. Bird is known for having NO WEAKNESS in his game. He won the NBA MVP Award 3 years in a row. Accomplishing this difficult "record" made Larry Legend one of only two other players to achieve this historic feat in NBA history. LEGENDARY. Bird ended his NBA career with an average of 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, & 6.3 assists per game. Thanks again!

You boys from Brit just seen things that you will never see again.

Genuinely dig all your reactions. Much respect to YOUR respect for true greatness, at first blush. Grew up two hour drive from The Garden, was about headed to college when Celts took the 86 championship. Got to see Bird, maybe 1991 in a very eighties sweater, sitting next to the bench. I got to see BIRD. He didn't play but it was Larry.

Bird's passes and shots are the place where physics go to die.

Loved your reaction to the video and the passing car😀

Larry Legends basketball IQ is off the charts 🐐☘️

I had the pleasure to watch Larry during several games and by several I mean it could be hundreds of games. I probably watched as many as I have with Magic and Michael. Some of the best basketball you could ever imagine by these 3 legends.

Dude He was THE founding member of the 50-40-90 club (2x).... He won 3 CONSECUTIVE league MVPs He won 3 championships (would have been 4 but for 1 bad shot in 87) He made all stars 12 times in 13 seasons (where he sat out a year injured) He beat: Jordan. (6 - 0) Magic Dr J Moses Malone Kareem Hakeem A Dominique W .... all of them

Larry beat everyone in the NBA in the Playoffs. When he was playing. No one can claim that not even MJ

Keep up the work on larry bird. Abel from Australia. 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

The GOAT! Thanks for the reaction 🙂

Loved your reaction! You should check out Larry Bird's Greatest Assists. Amazing passer 👍🏀

I could probably watch basketball without getting too bored. Not as a regular thing, but now and again. This guy was entertaining to watch for sure. I liked the little tricks he did. Watching you two react to sport is like watching my boys play Mario Kart. It's almost word for word identical, the stuff you come out with. 🤣🤣🤣

he knew that they would concentrate on him and he knew where everyone was an would selfless playing